LEG OF LAMB ROAST RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix the garlic, chilli, rosemary, thyme, fennel seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil in a shallow, non-metallic dish large enough to hold the lamb. Add the lamb, turn to coat well in the marinade, then cover and leave in the fridge for up to 24 hours, turning now and then.
• For the slow-roasted tomatoes, heat the oven to its highest setting. Cut the tomatoes in half and lay them cut-face up in a lightly oiled, shallow roasting tin. Sprinkle each tomato with sea salt flakes and ground black pepper, then roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2 and roast for 1¼-1½ hours more (this depends on the size of your tomatoes) until shrivelled and lightly browned but still juicy in the centre. Remove and set aside.
• When you’re ready to cook the lamb, heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. For the rosemary salt, put the chopped rosemary into a mortar and bruise it with the pestle. Stir in the sea salt flakes and set aside.
• Lift the lamb out of the marinade and shake off the excess. Season the meat lightly with a little rosemary salt and some pepper. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat until smoking hot. Add the lamb and sear over a medium-high heat for 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer the meat to a roasting tin and roast for 20-25 minutes, depending on how rare you like your meat and how thinly it has been butterflied, or until it registers 55-60°C at its thickest part on a digital probe thermometer.
• Lift the lamb onto a carving board, wrap loosely in foil and leave it to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, slide the tray of tomatoes back into the oven for 5 minutes to warm through.
• Put the rocket on a serving plate and arrange the roasted tomatoes in among the leaves. Scatter over the black olives, artichokes, chilli and capers, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Uncover the lamb, cut into slices and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with a little more rosemary salt, then serve with the roasted tomato salad, shoestring chips or potato wedges with the remaining rosemary salt on the side.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 240C/fan 220C/gas 9. Pound the garlic, half the oregano, lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, then add the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Stab the lamb all over with a sharp knife, then push as much of the herb paste as you can into the holes.
• Tip the potatoes into a large roasting tin, then toss in the remaining olive oil and any remaining herb paste. Nestle the lamb amongst the potatoes, roast for 20 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Roast for 1 hr 15 mins for medium-rare, adding another 15 mins if you prefer your lamb medium. Baste the lamb once or twice with the juices and toss the potatoes. When the lamb is done to your liking, remove from the tin and let it rest. Throw the rest of the oregano in with the potatoes, scoop from the tin and keep warm.
• Place the roasting tin over a medium flame, add the canned tomatoes and olives to the pan juices, then simmer for a few mins. Serve the lamb with the potatoes and sauce and a simple salad.